Hybrid beverage mixing and dispensing system

Abstract

A hybrid postmix beverage mixing and dispensing system wherein a beverage is mixed at an account from carbonated water and syrup, the brix ratio of which is precisely controlled by the use of a ratio proportioning pump. The mixed beverage is then delivered to a stabilizing tank, to stabilize the beverage and minimize problems with foaming thereof during dispensing. A single product delivery line then extends from the stabilizing tank to a relatively simple two way valve at the dispensing counter or station. The system is repeated for each different flavor available at the account.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A hybrid, postmix system for mixing and dispensing a carbonated soft drink beverage at any account premises into cups for direct delivery to consumers, comprising: a. a source of concentrated syrup at the account premises;   b. a water carbonator at the account premises connected to a source of water and a source of carbon dioxide for producing carbonated water;   c. a ratio proportioning pump, coupled to the source of concentrated syrup and the carbonated water produced by the water carbonator, for delivering a precise brix ratio of syrup to carbonated water;   d. a mixing means for mixing the delivered precise ratio of syrup and carbonated water to form a finished soft drink beverage;   e. a finished soft drink beverage stabilizing tank for the mixed beverage, to stabilize the finished soft drink beverage and minimize problems with foaming thereof during dispensing;   f. the account premises including a beverage product delivery station located by a counter for serving consumers, and a simple two way dispensing valve at said beverage product delivery station, coupled to said beverage stabilizing tank by a beverage delivery line, to control dispensing of the delivered finished soft drink beverage into cups for direct delivery to consumers; and   g. the account premises further including a backroom area, nonaccessible to consumers, at which is located said source of concentrated syrup, said water carbonator, said ratio proportioning pump, said mixing means and said beverage stabilizing tank, and said beverage delivery line being a single noncooled line extending from said beverage stabilizing tank to said product delivery station, wherein the beverage is delivered noncooled through said beverage delivery line, and said product delivery station includes a heat exchanger for cooling the dispensing beverage at the product delivery station.   
     
     
       2. A hybrid postmix system for mixing and dispensing a carbonated soft drink beverage at an account into cups for direct delivery to consumers as claimed in claim 1, said ratio proportioning pump, said mixing means, and said beverage stabilizing tank comprising one integral unit which is designed to be coupled to inputs of syrup and carbonated water, and having an output coupled by said beverage delivery time to said dispensing valve.